News
September 5, 2015
NWS Alumnus Joins Florida Orchestra
New World Symphony Oboe Fellow John Upton (2014-2015) will join the Florida Orchestra in Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater as Principal Oboe, in time for the start of their new season. Upton joins the orchestra just as new music director Michael Francis takes the helm of the institution, “Only the orchestra’s fourth conductor ever, he is expected to infuse the 47-year-old organization with a shot of youthful energy.” Francis first met Upton at the New World Symphony and he won the oboe chair in the blind auditions over 50 other applicants.
Click here to read the article in the Tampa Bay Times
Upton joins nine other NWS alumni at the orchestra on Florida's west coast. They are James Connors (1988) Principal Cello, Alison Heydt (viola 1990–1992), John Kehayas (bassoon 1988–1990), Anna Kate Mackle (1998−1999) Principal Harp, Erika Shrauger (clarinet 1989–1991), Robert Rearden (2006−2010) Principal Horn, Andrew Karr (horn 1998–2000), Nancy Chang (violin 2003–2006) Associate Concertmaster, and Anthony Georgeson (2006−2007) Principal Bassoon.
And on the staff at Florida Orchestra are NWS’ very first music librarian, Ella Fredrickson, Principal Librarian, and former NWS Orchestra Manager Ed Parsons, Artistic Operations Director.
Posted in: Alumni, Fellows, In the News